Tips to Avoid Injury When Heading Back to School

With summer coming to a close, parents are getting ready for their children to head back into the classroom. Dr. Daniel Green, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, offers a few tips for parents to make sure their children remain injury free and ready to learn.

1. Make sure backpacks have 2 well-padded straps and weigh a maximum of 15% of the child’s body weight.

2. Children should see their physician if old injuries have not completely healed or continue to cause complaints. Parents should have a low threshold to seek professional advice for back, hip, knee and ankle pain.

3. Double check athletic shoes for fit and wear.

4. Is your child ready for sports? Can they run without pain or a limp? Can they jump up and down on one foot without pain and with good strength and coordination? If not they may have an injury that needs attention and they may be at risk for a sports injury.

Dr. Daniel Green specializes in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery. He is currently director of the pediatric sports program for the Division of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at HSS. Dr. Green’s focus is to provide the finest, most advanced orthopedic care available, with expertise in areas such as pediatric sports injuries, pediatric fractures, and dislocations.

The information provided in this blog by HSS and our affiliated physicians is for general informational and educational purposes, and should not be considered medical advice for any individual problem you may have. This information is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a qualified health care provider who is familiar with the unique facts about your condition and medical history. You should always consult your health care provider prior to starting any new treatment, or terminating or changing any ongoing treatment. Every post on this blog is the opinion of the author and may not reflect the official position of HSS. Please contact us if we can be helpful in answering any questions or to arrange for a visit or consult.

HSS on Instagram

HSS on Facebook

HSS on Twitter

Located in New York City, HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the tenth consecutive year) and No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2019-20). Our mission is to provide the highest quality patient care, improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for all, and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology and their related disciplines through research and education. To make an appointment call 888.720.1982 or visit www.hss.edu. Please do not share personal health information on this site.